Residential Overnight Program

School groups stay at our campus and experience three ecosystem-based lessons a day, exploring food systems, the forests, fresh water sources, and other natural areas nearby. Healthy, kid-friendly, educational meals are served in the dining hall (see more about the Dining Hall below!). Over the course of their stay, students draw connections between ecosystems, notice patterns in the world around them and witness natural processes such as cycles, change and disturbance at work in different ecosystems. In addition to lessons and meals, students have free time during the day to rest and connect with one another and their teachers. Students in every grade from first to 12th have participated in our residential overnight programs.

For more information about Residential programs, or to register for a program, contact Director of Programs Alex Grindle. AlexATtheEcologySchoolDOTorg

Dining

Meals are served family style in the campus dining hall. Students are assigned to tables, and classroom teachers, chaperones and The Ecology School staff sit with students. The menu is varied and delicious for both students and adults. Food is homemade and primarily prepared on site. Fruit is always available to students both during the meal and as a snack between meals.

Students participate in the meal by serving as set ups or clean ups for their table or volunteering to read about the meal sponsor. In addition to having plenty of time to re-energize during meals, there is time in every meal for learning and entertainment – whether from a presentation of the evening’s dinner theater or a performance by No Direction (The Ecology School in-house band who sings songs about food and food waste). Meals are a time to connect food, humans and the environment through our Food For Thoughtprogram.

Although the menu does change from week to week, below is a sample menu to give an idea of the types of meals served at The Ecology School. Remember that fruit (apples, bananas, oranges) is available at every meal and as a snack between meals!

typical menu for a 5-day overnight program in our dining hall.

The Ecology School works with parents and client schools to address the needs of students with food allergies or sensitivities. If your child will be attending The Ecology School and you have concerns about the food or menu, please contact Caley Mackenzie, Residential Program Manager.CaleyATtheEcologySchoolDOTorg

The Ecology School

Since 1998, The Ecology School has brought innovative ecology education programs to thousands of children throughout New England and nationwide through overnight programs, field trips, outreach to schools, professional development and publications.